Canon Powershot G12
Quick Review

This is the latest in our series of 'Quick Reviews.' We use this format for cameras that are operationally similar and identical in terms of output to models we've already reviewed. We test to confirm the image quality is identical (noise tests and shots of our 'compared to' studio scene at all ISOs), then concentrate the review on the differences between the two cameras. To learn everything about the camera you are interested in we recommend reading not only the Quick Review but also the full review of the Canon Powershot G11.

Canon's Powershot G-series is a stalwart of the high-end compact camera market. Originally designed to offer film SLR users a (relatively) affordable ladder into enthusiast digital imaging, over the past ten years G-series cameras have evolved to become what they are now - aspirational, high-quality compact cameras and attractive second bodies for existing DSLR users, fitting into the niche between 'mainstream' compact offerings and small DSLRS.

As you may have seen in our recent high-end compact camera group test, competition in this segment of the market is fierce. But not only does the Canon Powershot G12 have to contend with this most recent crop of compact cameras, it also faces stiff competition from an entirely new category - mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In recent months, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony and Samsung have started attacking the high-end compact market aggressively with high-quality, but small cameras with much larger (APS-C or Four Thirds) sensors. A camera like the recently unveiled Olympus PEN E-PL2 with its collapsible 14-42mm kit zoom isn't much bigger (or more expensive) than the G12, and it has a considerably larger Four Thirds sensor (over 5x the light-collecting area).

Along with the Nikon Coolpix P7000, the Canon Powershot G12 is the largest 'traditional' (i.e. fixed lens, small sensor) compact camera currently available. Is the convenience of its 28-140mm (equivalent) built-in zoom and articulated LCD enough to make it stand out from today's crop of compact and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras? Read our quick review to find out.

Compared to Canon Powershot G11 - key differences

The G12 is extremely similar to its predecessor the G11 in terms of specification, but Canon has made some significant improvements. Here is a list of the key differences:

Comments

Although I don't use my G12 as much as I used to, it is still my favorite camera to have with me all the time. I've had mine for 6 years now and it is still like new. I have used it in all kinds of weather, and it still keeps going strong. The large dials and controls are what sold me on the camera, and what keeps me coming back to it. I shoot in manual mode and RAW, and I have never been disappointed when I go that route. The Auto mode is a disappointment though, as the JPEG's are not the best with all the sharpening the processor does. I've also got the adapters for the 1.4x teleconverter and the filter adapter, so it's also a very versatile camera.

I have bought the camera 2010 and am still using it, meanwhile with CHDK.

There are only two drawbacks: I have some scratches (with no visible effects on pictures) on the lens due to the lens cover which is much too close to the lens. And I have some really disturbing hot pixels since a while.

But the rest of the camera is fine. The build quality is like a tank!

I am thinking of buying a Fujifilm X-T10 since some months, but it's a pure luxury problem...

I am revisiting this review after almost 5 years of owning and still using the Canon G12. Despite all these years of use, the camera is still going strong and still one of my favourite compact cameras I have, the other being the Ricoh GR.

I am still amazed that this humble camera can produce excellent 12" X 18" prints over the years. It goes to show that one should not underestimate a small sensor compact camera like the G12.

It is unfortunate Canon is not making compact cameras this way with all the dials of the G12 anymore.

Five years have passed and I am not letting this camera go. There should still be many years of life to go.

you aren't alone ;) I've written reviews on the G10/12/15/16.. the are all excellent cameras, but yes, I prefer the extra dials and heft of the G10/11/12 for most shooting. Canon should go back to more dials on the next G (g7 isnt a G to me, its an S )

I am now here in Chiangmai/Chiangrai for about 10 days for a short discovery trip to shoot the Karen hill tribe. If you haven't been here you should make this place your next trip. Great place for street photography, food and even some wildlife photography.

Despite bringing along my "better cameras" like my full frame DSLR, a micro 4/3 camera with 4 lenses and a Ricoh GR, the Canon G12 is used the most. It is reliable, have very good colour and easy to use that it always capture the right moments without fail. Great for street portraits and intrepid photography. The excellent photo quality is also due to its CCD sensor instead of a CMOS one. Unfortunately, we don't get this anymore. The dials and simple UI are what make this camera outstanding even after 5 years.

The best camera is still the one that has the ability to capture the moments accurately the most.

More about gear in this article

Pre-Photokina 2010: Canon has launched the PowerShot G12 premium compact, successor to PowerShot G11 released last year. Inheriting most of the core features of the G11, the latest model sees the addition of an EOS-style front control dial, Hybrid IS for close-up work, and 720p HD video recording. It also adds multi-aspect ratio shooting and SDXC card compatibility. The rest of the features remain the same including a 28-140mm equivalent lens, 2.8" tilt and swivel LCD, manual control and RAW shooting.

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